Lucky me. I lost the coin toss and got the Valentine’s Day time slot. Oh, I know that, as you read this, it isn’t technically Valentine’s Day any longer. But, if you are like me, you’re probably still ducking the fallout.
It’s not that we outdoorsmen and women aren’t romantics at heart. It’s more like sometimes our version of romance doesn’t jive with that of our less outdoorsy partners.
So I guess it should have come as no surprise that Jenn was not exactly keen when I offered her an evening in a cozy room for two, complete with candlelight, rustic atmosphere and plenty of privacy.
“You want to go ice fishing for walleye on Valentine’s Day?” she asked.
“It’s not what I want,” I shot back. “It’s what you want.”
I learned that one from my dad.
She didn’t say it in so many words – actually she didn’t say anything at all – but you didn’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand she didn’t see romance in a borrowed ice hut and watching me jig seductively for walleye. Even after I said I’d pull the sled this time.
I’m not insensitive. So I quickly reverted to Plan B.
“Lake trout then?” I asked.
Whoever said the secret to a happy relationship is open and honest communication should have been there for her response.
In the end, I’m happy to report it worked out just fine. All it took was roses, a nice bottle of wine, a sentimental card, a bit of fine dining and me not mentioning ice fishing for the rest of the year – which I wish someone had mentioned prior to writing my poem in the card.
As most outdoorsy types know, Valentine’s Day isn’t just special because it’s the only holiday we have named after a massacre. No, it also provides a good excuse to hook up. But, even if you can’t catch a walleye or laker that day, you can still make the best of it.
Provided you don’t say things like that out loud.
By the way, I guarantee none of this would have been an issue, if Valentine’s Day fell during hunting season. You see, I know this little out of the way duck blind….
Awesome! Funny as always, Mr. Galea!